Custody & Parenting Time (Visitation)

Here you can learn about child custody and parenting time (also called "visitation") cases, how to prepare a parenting plan for you and your children, and how to get or change a court order. You can also find many resources to help you and your children through your separation or divorce.

Parenting Time: Developing PlansIf you and your child’s other parent are separating, start by reading this section. It will give you information about how children cope with their parents’ separation, what children of different ages need, and how to write a parenting plan that is best for your children and your family. It will also give you resources to help you in parenting your children during and after separation.

Families ChangeThis is an online guide for families going through separation and divorce. With three versions – one for parents, one for children, and another for teens and pre-teens – it complements the legal information found here.

Custody and Parenting Time (Visitation) OrdersFind out how to ask for a custody and/or parenting time (visitaton) order, respond to a request, or change an existing order. You will also learn about the law in custody and visitation cases and get information on enforcing an existing order.

Custody MediationMediation, or child custody recommending counseling in many courts, is mandatory in all custody and parenting time cases before you go in front of a judge to decide. Learn about the process and how to best prepare for your mediation or custody recommending counseling session or click for a video explaining the mediation process .

Supervised VisitationLearn about supervised visitation, when a judge orders that a neutral third person be present during a parent’s time with his or her children. Learn how to find and choose a supervised visitation provider, tips for parents, and find resources for more information.

Custody and Domestic ViolenceFind out what to consider in situations where one parent has been abusive toward the other parent or the child and how to make sure everyone is safe. Get information about the law in cases of domestic violence and how the mediation process works in these cases.

Visitation Rights of GrandparentsIf you are a grandparent and want information about visitation with your grandchildren, read this section to learn about your options and understand your rights as a grandparent.